October 6, 2011, 11:55 PM EST

The election of a Liberal minority government tonight with the NDP holding the balance of power is a step forward for workers and their families, said CAW National President Ken Lewenza.

The majority of voters rejected the backward vision of the Tim Hudak Conservative's "changebook" platform.

"The Liberals and NDP now must find ways to work together for the betterment of all Ontarians," Lewenza said. "There remains a great deal of work to do to rebuild the Ontario economy, create good jobs, reduce inequality, promote green energy and green jobs and expand our public services ..."

"This was one of the most important elections in Ontario history. The agenda for the new government is clearly to work together with all citizens to build a stronger province, put more people back to work, ensure quality public services, promote equality and a clean environment. It's time to put aside divisiveness and move forward with a progressive agenda."

Lewenza congratulated the NDP for picking up a number of new seats, urging new Members of Provincial Parliament to press for policies that benefit working women and men, youth, the unemployed, the poor, new Canadians and the many others who have been harshly impacted by the recession and resulting aftermath.

Lewenza said that the union, along with a number of other progressive groups, played a tremendous role in challenging the Conservative platform, particularly as it related to jobs, green development and human rights and equality.

He noted that support for the Conservative party dropped dramatically since the beginning of the election campaign and this was wholly the result of efforts to expose Conservative leader Tim Hudak's regressive, divisive agenda for the province.